The Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial was launched in 1922 by Gallup citizens to gather local tribes and celebrate Native American identity and culture. It also provided a wider audience for increased trade from tourism, which was gaining momentum through Gallup's inclusion on the Santa Fe railroad line, and later, increased automobile traffic as a result of the popularity of Route 66. Attendees of that first event circled their automobiles around bonfires to illuminate dancers performing traditional dances, who were paid a silver dollar to participate.

Throughout its 100+ year history, the festival has grown into a 9-day event that includes a wide variety of events, including an arts and crafts market, parade, rodeo events, and pageants, and welcomes members of tribes throughout North America and beyond. It has become one of the largest and most enduring gatherings of its kind, while still maintaining its core mission of cultural education and celebration.

Burton Frasher Sr. (1888-1955) started his commercial photography business in Lordsburg (now La Verne) California in 1914, but later moved it to Pomona in 1920. He traveled the west extensively ranging from California and the Southwest northwards to Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Frasher is known for his 1920s and 1930s "Frasher Fotos" postcard views of the Southwest, which depict a variety of subjects from Native American life to shots of civic buildings in Southwestern towns. By the late 1930s, Frasher's business was so successful that he hired additional photographers to capture new scenes as well as advertise and sell postcards. Frasher passed away in 1955 having been one of the most prolific photographers of the Southwest during his era.